One for the Books!

A Review of NIRG Activities in 2010 

By Ken Bounds

Anyone who reads or watches the news knows the flurry of activity in Congress as 2010 neared the end.  The Northern Illinois Regional Group may have been as busy as Congress – but our activities were spread out a little better during the year.  Your Officers and Board of Directors worked hard to provide plenty of activities for members to participate in during the year.  When you get a chance, take a moment to thank your officers and board for the work they do to provide activities for the whole club.  And while you’re at it, why not offer to organize an event or tech talk for 2011? 

The year got off to a rousing start with our annual Installation Dinner, held January 9 at the Wellington in Arlington Heights.  A crowd of over 50 enjoyed dinner and the awards program, culminating in a special award for our President, Dan Pudelek, for his many years of service.

On February14 we had a great turnout of nearly 30 V-8ers for our Valentine’s Day event at Pheasant Run, the play Over the Tavern, followed by a terrific dinner.  During the month we learned that the Road Chatter had won 2^nd Place in the newsletter competition. 

Not to be outdone, Ron Blum organized one of our best “A Night at the Races” events yet.  Over 40 V-8 families and friends had an incredible view of the finish line while watching harness racing at Maywood Park in Melrose Park March 19^th.  The buffet was great and a highlight was when several members had the unique opportunity to ride along in the pace vehicle during two races.  What a thrill! 

April got off to a great start when Tom & Judy Buscaglia hosted 22 V-8ers for an Eggs & Eights breakfast on a beautiful April 11 Sunday morning.  At least five Early V-8s were in the parking lot.  Bob Paladino once again hosted our traditional Pizza Meeting at John’s Pizza in Addison April 20.  The forty-seven folks in attendance enjoyed great pizza and even better V-8 camaraderie.  Collin Sprau took home $50 in a super 50-50 raffle. On May 1 we held a tire kick and dinner at Home Run Inn Pizza in Addison.  About 30 V-8ers drove 9  V-8s and other classics, braving a brief shower.  We had a fantastic turnout of members driving 15 V-8s and other classics on a memorable tour to the Manteno Veterans Home on May 23.  It was a pleasure to show our cars for so many who had provided so much for our country.  The day was perfect!  On the way home we had a terrific lunch at the White Fence Farm in Romeoville.  During the month we learned that the Road Chatter had received its third consecutive Golden Quill Award from Old Cars Weekly. 

On June 15 members feasted on pizza and home-made goodies as Ed and Roni Fontana hosted the monthly meeting in their garage.  We had a great time and were treated to tours of the well-decorated garage and basement.  Later in the month several members made the trek to the Eastern National Meet in Charlotte.  All of our cars received awards, with a highlight being Joe Kozmic receiving his first Dearborn Award. 

On July 15 Stan & JoAnne Stack opened up their lovely home to the group as they hosted a terrific cookout prior to a cruise over to the Barrington cruise night.  A large crowd of 30-40 V-8 families and friends enjoyed some great hospitality.  Joe Serritella hosted a weekend tour to South Bend July 17-18.  The group enjoyed tours of the Studebaker Museum, the Studebaker and Oliver mansions, and other local attractions.

We had a super turnout and at least 21 Early V-8s at a wonderful picnic at Timmerman’s Ranch hosted August 1 by Don & Elaine Braun.  The food was great, the weather was beautiful, and the accommodations were super.  There was even horseback riding for those who wanted to give it a try.  Thirteen members displayed their Early V-8s and other classics at member Joe Dispensa’s 2^nd Annual LaSalle Street Auto Row show in Aurora August 8.  Although the turnout was disappointing, we had a great time as our group hosted Early Ford Day August 14 at the Volo Auto Museum.  Eighteen members drove and displayed their V-8s while many others showed up in modern iron to help run the event. 

On a beautiful late September weekend, 28 V-8ers driving 11 Early V-8s as well as modern vehicles participated in our 3^rd Annual Lake Geneva Poker Run.  We enjoyed driving our V-8s over some interesting back roads as we toured to the Lake Geneva area and also to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford.  Of course, there was eating and the fun of playing the poker hands for various prizes.

In October, yours truly was honored to be elected as Midwest Director.  Beginning January 1, I will be representing 14 regional groups at the National level.

We had a nice turnout for our annual Veterans’ Day Luncheon held on November 13, once again at Sam’s of Arlington in Arlington Heights. Over 30  V-8ers enjoyed camaraderie along with great food and drinks and outstanding service as a way to say “Thank You” to our members who have served our country in the armed forces. 

We wrapped up a very busy year with a classy luncheon at Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano in Deer Park.  Thirty-five V-8 members, family, and friends enjoyed a great lunch, the ladies grab bag, and delightful conversation.  What a great way to end the year on a high note!